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Hong Kong transport
Hong KongTransport

Hong Kong set to invite ride-hailing firms to apply for licences in August

Transport minister Mable Chan sets down timeline as lawmakers complete negative vetting for ride-hailing legislation

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An Uber cab passes a taxi stand in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Jelly Tse
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan has also said the government will roll out a dedicated website for ride-hailing services on Friday. Photo: Karma Lo
After receiving their operator licences in late November, ride-hailing platforms are expected to have about nine months to meet the new regulatory requirements before they are fully enforced. Photo: Jelly Tse
Edith Lin

Hong Kong authorities plan to invite ride-hailing platforms to apply for operator licences as early as next month and will begin approving them in batches from the end of November, the city’s transport minister has said.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan laid down the timeline on Thursday as lawmakers completed the negative vetting process to approve the subsidiary legislation for the ride-hailing regulatory regime.
“In August, we will invite ride-hailing platform companies to apply for licences. We will also launch a combined driving test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles to allow interested drivers to get prepared and apply for a vehicle and driving permit in the fourth quarter of this year,” she said at the Legislative Council session.

“If the application and review process goes smoothly, the first batch of platform licences is expected to be issued starting from the end of November.”

Chan added that the government would roll out a dedicated website for ride-hailing services on Friday.

Most of the legal provisions regulating the sector will take effect on August 3 this year.

After receiving their operator licences in late November, ride-hailing platforms are expected to have about nine months to meet the new regulatory requirements before they are fully enforced on August 22 next year.

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